RE: Our Latest Poll - Allow use of Avatar

[moderator1]

 
To start with, for those who are not familiar with the term " avatar" , here is the definition from the dictionary:
 
 

<chat, virtual reality> An image representing a user in a
 multi-user virtual reality (or VR-like, in the case of
 Palace) space

 In the case of a message board like this one an avatar is is an image that is displayed below your user name in the left column.
 
 Just like the " member ranking" , the use of avatars is not always met with a positive response from members.
 
 On the positive side their use allows you to " personalize"  you post.
 
 On the negative side their use can slow downloads and if not controlled make for a messy campground.
 
 Our current idea is a follows:
 
 We would make available a small group of images that each member could select from for their avatar.  The group might include a Coleman Popup, a Starcraft Popup, a Jayco Popup, a Kiwi Hybrid, a TrailManor Hybrid, a Caravan Hybrid, etc.  
 
 I think you get the picture.
 
 For those members who utilize dialup connections you have the option in your personal settings to disable the transmission of avatars to you.  If you disable them, you would never see them and would not experience any degradation in service.
 
 Right now we don t have any images and if you vote to have this feature, we would need to put the selection together.  It may require asking for members to submit photos of each camper type  and selecting the images from those submissions.
 
 Your thoughts??

[SactoCampers]

 moderator1
That s one thing I don t like about IRV2: There s WAY too much going on with the signatures and avatar. Sometimes you have to scroll down the entire page just to get past somebody s signature! Between the avatar, oversized font for signature, weather reports, driving directions, and animated graphics, there s just too much. This campground is clean and uncluttered, so you have my vote.
 
 There are all kinds of resources out there for posting pictures and we have the picture option in our profile. Check out mine for example!
 
 BTW, I resent the fact that you don t intend to offer a Tracker image [:@][][][8D]. What s up with that! [8D][8D]

[got woody?]

 moderator1
Sacto makes some clear, persuasive points that I happen to agree with as a dial-up user.
 
 The most relevant I think being the point that there exist many other ways to make visual statements via the net that are " pulls"  rather than " pushes" .
 
 I d love to see what folks want to show, just let me " pull"  that info once at my choosing, rather than pushing it every time someone posts.
 
 My very humble opinion, open to alternative views...

[Popupper]

 moderator1
I also voted no, one of the things I like about this site is its clean look.  Keep the avatars in the profiles.  In my opinion, surfing on IRV2 is like driving thru a campground full of seaonal sites.
 Bruce

[GeneF]

 moderator1
I have seen some of the avatars on IRV.  Sorry but they are not my cup of brew.
 

[birol]

 moderator1
Because they are not the real Canuck beer Sorry couldn t help myself
 
 P.S. I also said " no"  ..... I think I will be more than happy when the muffins go and we get our PU s back under our names.

[SkipP]

 moderator1
Perhaps a seperate forum where photos could be posted? I like the message boards as they are....for messages.

[cyclone]

 moderator1
Yeah....what they all said.    I, too, find all that distracting.

[mike4947]

 moderator1
As one who mentioned the fact that avatars and picture signatures slow down loading for our 56k bretheren when the new software was anounced and asked for the option for them to be able to " opt out"  of showing them. I now find the uncluttered look we have to be refreshing. While they can be inovative and amusing they are distracting and on some boards I frequent it is sometimes hard to actually find the message amide the clutter.
 So as you can tell I voted for no avatars, IMHO just like not having post counts it keeps us on an even footing. No, spending time worrying about whether you re sig or Avatar is " up to snuff"  or " keeping up with the Jones s"

[campingcop]

 moderator1
Even tho I have a high speed connection I vote no avatars, I like the looks of the board just as it is.  Nice and neat with no clutter JMHO

[Tentcamp]

 moderator1
I say no too, I do enjoy seeing the avitars on the other site, because a lot of them are peoples " real"  camper and set up.  But I have no desire to have someone elses pop-up below my name even if it is a Coleman.

[Tentcamp]

 moderator1
I just noticed the little pop-ups instead of the muffins, I do like that!  Thanks, it is a good enough pop-up for me!

[Viking99]

 moderator1
I agree with skipP, how about a forum where pictures can be posted? As for the Avatars, I could go either way.

[YellowXterra]

 moderator1
I thought this board was about Pop Up Camping not Bells and Whistles. Other boards are to ?busy? with such. I did not pay up for ?Bells and Whistles? I paid for good clean camping information.

[rednekrubbrduck]

 moderator1
I couldn t care less one way or the other.  I have dial up, and only get on at 26600, and sites like IRV2 don t bother me that much (gives me a chance to go downstairs and get a cup of coffee), and doesn t slow down the computer that much.  I like to be able to put faces with names, but it s just as easy to click on a link.  I would use an avatar if available, just not from the choices that you give.